Geno Smith widens his lead on the starting QB job

Geno Smith (7) celebrates with center Nick Mangold (74) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

The New York Jets quarterback competition was never really a true competition, and after the team’s second preseason game, it’s clear this is Geno Smith’s job.

To prove that point, ironically, Smith took some tips from the man he’s competing with, Michael Vick. Building on what he did toward the end of last season, Smith displayed smart decision-making against the Bengals on when to bail from the pocket. Smith finished with four carries for 20 yards and one touchdown.

When he was throwing the ball, Smith also showed some improvement. His vision and footwork are more consistent than they were last year, and Smith threw the ball with more accuracy.

Smith finished the game 10-of-13 for 98 yards and one interception, which came on a miscommunication with wide receiver David Nelson.

Vick entered the game in the second half and was removed early in the fourth quarter. He went 5-of-9 for 70 yards, one touchdown and two carries for 16 yards.

Can Andy Dalton elevate his play?

Andy Dalton (14) throws the ball during the first quarter against the New York Jets. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

Looking at Dalton’s stat line from Saturday night, it’s hard not to be impressed. How much of that was because of the hobbled Jets secondary (more on that later) is tough to tell.

Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu blew past Kyle Wilson in the slot for a 43-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. Wilson is expected to play more snaps with the injuries, but continues to be a liability with poor ball awareness. Now in his fifth year, it looks like Wilson hasn’t overcome his deficiencies and is nothing more than a secondary role player at this point.

Of course, having reserve players cover A.J. Green and Sanu isn’t the easiest of tasks, but the ailing Jets secondary made the Bengals passing game seem unstoppable.

The best thing that could happen to New York’s defense is for its corners to heal quickly. That, or the team could look to the free agent market, where Dunta Robinson, Asante Samuel and Chris Houston are all available.